Of all the local works designed by Frederic J. Klein, perhaps his most novel is the Japanese Bridge.

Born in Detroit in 1874, Klein was raised in Peoria. After an apprenticeship as an architect, he later would earn fame for designing homes and buildings elsewhere, including the elaborate Coronado Theater in Rockford.

But Klein left his biggest footprint in Peoria. His designs include the Madison Theater and the Apollo Theater, plus many stately homes. Klein helped develop Grandview Drive and designed several residences there. In addition, he helped develop and lay out sections of Glen Oak Park, while the beautiful doors of the Springdale Cemetery Mausoleum were also of his design.

Especially with public designs, Klein strove for uniqueness. None of his theaters was similar in style, yet all reflected a sense of luxury and opulence, offering a glimpse at settings atypical to the workaday masses.

That description well suits his Japanese Bridge, in lower Bradley Park. The footbridge, which spans Dry Run Creek, was constructed for $5,500 in 1922. The decorative open railing, along with the decorative portal, reflect Japanese-stye architecture.

Klein died at Methodist Hospital in 1957. His Japanese Bridge, thanks to occasional rehab, survives as a singular Peoria attraction.